Picture this. Puffy snowflakes are swirling down from the sky. The sun is gleaming off of the crisp white snowbanks. You can hear the whistling of a gentle, chilly breeze out your windows. There is no better time to cozy up with your kiddos and read the afternoon away. On winter days like this, my kids love to grab as many of their favorite winter books as they can until the stack begins to topple over. Next, they collect all of the fluffiest blankets in the house. Finally, they squish themselves alongside me in our favorite chair to read together. How hygge is that? Here are some of our favorite books that we turn to each winter season.
Our 5 Favorite Winter Books:
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
This author has many books in their “over and under” series that I love and this one is no exception. The story follows a little girl and her father as they are out skiing in the snow and observing animal life. The illustrations are beautiful and it’s awesome to let kids explore the life that thrives in the winter months.
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Park
Again, this author has many books in their seasonal series that cover the whole year. I love the illustrations and how the book shows the concrete ways we experience the changing of the seasons. If your kids enjoy this one, and as the months pass by, check out Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring next!
Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Burton
A true classic from the 1970s that appeals to my vehicle-loving son just as well as the newer truck books out there. The story follows a snow plow named Katy as she navigates a huge snowstorm in her town. My kids have always loved watching the snowplow go by on our street, but it is even more special after reading this story.
Little Owl’s Snow by Divya Srinivasan
We follow Little Owl as he sees many forest animals prepare for winter and his surroundings grow quieter for the season. Or so he thinks. As the first snow begins to fall, he sees many creatures who are out and about, enjoying the fresh snowfall. This is an endearing board book with sweet illustrations that my kids really enjoyed in their younger years.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This book is beautifully written and the illustrations are top-notch as well. A Caldecott winner in 1963, The Snowy Day has been a favorite of innumerable kids over the years. The story follows a little boy named Peter as he wakes to discover his world covered in freshly fallen snow. The reader follows him on a day full of adventures in his neighborhood. Towards the end of the book, Peter is sad to find a snowball he tried to keep in his pocket has melted – this can be a great chance for your kids to experiment with bringing snow inside and seeing what happens over time!
So, grab a warm cup of cocoa, some cozy slippers, maybe a cookie or two, and curl up with your family to enjoy some of these winter stories. Which winter books do your kids love to read?
